“Solidarity—not as charity, but rather as the recognition of others as equals—is the basic pillar for initiating social inclusion.”
Lenin Moreno is the 44th and current President of Ecuador May 2017, having served as Vice President from 2007 to 2013.
He became paraplegic in 1998 following a shooting during an attempted robbery. He is the only current head of state to use a wheelchair.
Since being elected Vice President Moreno has inspired and transformed Ecuador into becoming one of the most progressive nations in Latin America in respect of the financial, technical and professional assistance it provides for disabled people. With support from Cuba and Venezuela at the outset, countries like Guatemala, Uruguay, Chile, and Panama are now following suit.
Moreno was nominated for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy for disabled people.